Aside from the pregame lineup announcements, American Heritage's Jaida Scott rarely heard her name called during her four-year high school soccer career.

That was just fine with her.

"My job for the past four years has been to protect the goal," said Scott, who anchored a defense that allowed just two goals in the regular season and led the team to a fifth straight state final four appearance. "It was exciting to hold so many shutouts like we did."

Scott, who signed with the University of Central Florida, is on the All-American watch list, according to Top Drawer Soccer, and was a two-time captain and three-time state champion with the Patriots.

A 2-0 state semifinal loss at home to eventual state champion Merritt Island snapped the Patriots' four-year run at the top. It was the lone blemish in 19 games this season.

"When you look at the big picture, I have gotten to be a part of three state championships and helped make history with four state championships in a row," Scott said. "I think it will teach us that we won't always win, but it will make us work harder the next season and get better."

She is looking forward to college soccer at UCF, where she will join former Heritage teammate Zandy Soree, the Sun Sentinel's 2016 All-Broward County Player of the Year.

"I enjoyed watching my teammates strive to be successful and be great," Scott said. "I know the forwards and attackers get more of the recognition, but my team gives me a lot of recognition.

"I never imagined I would get this [Player of the Year] recognition," Scott said, "but being in this position with this honor makes me realize that I did impact high school soccer and I am proud of that."

Patriots coach Cindy Marcial called Scott "the heart and soul" of the team.

"Every girl looked up to Jaida," Marcial said. "Every time she stepped on the field she gave 100 percent. She was a true team leader.

"She would warm up the team and give talks at halftime and in the classroom before games," Marcial added. "Replacing her will be hard. The girl taking her position on the field will be in 10th grade next year, so hopefully someone else steps up and takes her role as a leader."